[I am praying that God] may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

Ephesians 1:15-23 

[I am praying that God] may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:16-21

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today I focus on Ephesians 1:15-23 where Paul thanks the church at Ephesus for their faith and love of those in the church, and also prays for the church to have the wisdom to appreciate what their faith provides for them.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?:  V17: God is the source of wisdom and knowledge - all good and perfect gifts are from above (James 1:17) - we must pray that He help give us wisdom and knowledge.  Scripture gives us this wisdom and knowledge because it is the basis for our faith, and our relationship with Him.  He renews our minds through our knowledge of Him and aligns our thoughts and desires to be like His (Romans 12:2).  V18: God gives us hope and a rich inheritance - this same inheritance (e.g. eternal life, etc.) that is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. Vv19-20: God gives us power that is "immeasurab[ly] great" and it is the same power that raised Christ from the dead and "seated him at [God's] right hand in the heavenly places." V21: God does not just reign - He does so at a level that humanity cannot fathom - God rules "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named...." eternally.  V22: God put everything under Christ's feet and made Him head of the church and the church is His body.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv15-16: Paul thanks the church in Ephesus for their faith - once again - see post yesterday;  he also prays for them in vv17-23 that they have wisdom from God to appreciate what their faith provides to them. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Ultimately, as Revelation 2:4-5 points out, the faith of the church in Ephesus weakens and this happens to everyone - we must avoid weakened faith by remaining in Him and a focusing on spiritual disciplines of corporate worship, prayer, daily study of His Word, etc. We must claim the promise of our guaranteed rich inheritance in Christ. We should follow the example of those with faith and those who love God and others (most important commandments).  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God reveals Himself through Your Word and through the Holy Spirit who guides us and renews our mind. Thank You for my salvation and for the blessings You pour out every day for me.  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So the captain came and said to [Jonah], “What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call out to your god! Perhaps the god will give a thought to us, that we may not perish.”

Jonah 1:1-6 

So the captain came and said to [Jonah], “What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call out to your god! Perhaps the god will give a thought to us, that we may not perish.” Jonah 1:6

I completed my study of Hebrews, and I begin a study in Jonah to supplement my church's current sermon series in this book.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V1: God speaks and works as He is accessible and available to people through various forms - most prominently through His Word, the Holy Spirit, the church (sermons, Bible studies, etc.).  V2: When God speaks, we are prodded into action - this time Jonah is called to go to Nineveh and urge the people to repent of their sin.  V4: Disobedience to God has consequences - for many, when such rebellion persists it will be eternal damnation.  Here, God causes a great wind and tempest - "so that the ship threatened to break up."   Vv5-6: Jonah is so comfortable with his sin that He goes to sleep, feeling deserving of rest.  We may think we will get away with sin but no sin is hidden from God. God stirs fear into the mariners on Jonah's ship - God is seeking to get Jonah's attention and He works through not just the wind/storm but also through the mariners (captain) stirring Jonah to call out to (his) God. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: V3: Jonah rebelled against God's authority and command, as he fled to Tarshish - about as far away as one can go from Nineveh at the time (see this map).  The text is silent why Jonah fled but there are many reasons why someone would flee from God - fear of punishment, fear of failure, disagreement with or objection to God's commands, etc.  What we do know is that Nineveh was the capital city of the of Assyrian Empire - a known enemy of Israel. Vv5-6: Anxiety and panic forces a response, often not the right response.  In the text today, the mariners "each cried out to his god," but this did not lead to the outcome God was seeking, which was for Jonah to preach to Nineveh.  The captain sought for Jonah to call upon God (not even knowing who Jonah's God was) - this was the right move for the captain but God sought for Jonah's heart to move....
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid rebellion against God.  Claim the promise that obedience to God is not burdensome (1 John 5:3b) as it is a natural response based on our love and adoration for Him. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who alone forgives and offers eternal life!  I know that when I cry out to You that You not only hear me but respond!  Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You love, save, and bless.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Hebrews 13:7-25 

Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:13-16

I complete my study of Hebrews with a reading of 13:7-25, where we see closing remarks by the author - these remarks include instructions to remember, obey and submit to leaders, to be on guard for false teachings, to seek eternal rewards vs earthly ones, to continually praise God, and to pray.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V8: Jesus Christ and God do not change - see also Malachi 3:6.  He is both eternal and unchanging. V12: Jesus is described as the spotless lamb and final sacrifice through which all of humanity has forgiveness of sin. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv7, 17: God places leaders above us and calls us to submit to their authority and to imitate their faith. These leaders are watching over us and it is of no benefit for us to grumble and complain about them.  V9: There are those who misuse and twist God's Word for their own agenda and benefit (vs that of God) - we need to not just read the Word but understand it - we do so aided by the Holy Spirit, our church, and our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Vv13-14: Believers are called to sacrifice and "bear the reproach [Jesus] endured," because just as He sought to reign from Heaven, we also seek Heaven as our home. Vv15-16: Instead of the animal sacrifices practiced in the Old Testament, God seeks for us to "continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God" (see also Romans 12:1), through worship of His name and love of others (vs focus on self and our own selfish desires).  V18: We are called to pray for leaders, including the author of Hebrews, such that they "act honorably in all things". 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid falling prey to false teachings and grumbling and complaining about church leadership.  Claim the promise that our home is in Heaven and that God is saving place for us and it will be glorious.  Follow the example of Jesus and offer your body as a living sacrifice - living in such a way (loving Him and others) that brings glory to God and draws others to Him. Do good and share what you have. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You love, save, and bless.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house with you shall bear iniquity connected with the sanctuary, and you and your sons with you shall bear iniquity connected with your priesthood.

Numbers 18:1-7

So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house with you shall bear iniquity connected with the sanctuary, and you and your sons with you shall bear iniquity connected with your priesthood. Numbers 18:1

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 18:1-7 - we see God speak to Aaron, giving him and the Levites instructions in their role with the priesthood, reinforcing earlier instructions that serve to prevent future rebellion against Aaron and the Levites.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God seeks for Aaron and the Levites to bear iniquity connected with the sanctuary and the priesthood and the current dictionary definition shares that this means to conduct oneself well relating to sin connected with the sanctuary and priesthood - for example Aaron's participation with the golden calf (Exodus 32) and his sons' use of unauthorized fire (Leviticus 10:1-3). Duties given to Aaron and the Levites are further clarified here in the text today as God shares that they are to guard (word used 4x in the text today) the sanctuary, including its contents such as the altar.  Others are not allowed to come near (let alone into) the sanctuary (Tent of Meeting) for risk of death (v7).  Also mentioned in the text today is how the Levites are a gift to Aaron and given to the Lord to serve in the priesthood (vv6-7).  After Korah's rebellion that very likely shook both Moses and Aaron, God encourages Aaron and makes it clear that Aaron and the Levites have a God-given role to play.  God equips His servants with helpers (including the Holy Spirit) to serve.  They will also be held to a high standard of accountability. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: As I have posted yesterday and with previous posts, we must submit to authorities, specifically church leadership.  We should not grumble and complain about our church leadership but instead defer and pray for them.  Trust God that they will be held to account.     
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): If you are appointed to church leadership, avoid taking this lightly.  Claim the promise that God will equip and help His appointed servants.  Follow the example of Moses and Aaron who were faithful servants of God. Trust God and His appointed servants; submit and defer to their authority.   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus for the church I have and its Godly leadership.  I am not deserving of how You bless.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And the LORD said to Moses, “Put back the staff of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept as a sign for the rebels, that you may make an end of their grumblings against me, lest they die.”

Numbers 17:1-13

And the LORD said to Moses, “Put back the staff of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept as a sign for the rebels, that you may make an end of their grumblings against me, lest they die.” Numbers 17:10

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 17:1-13 - we see God's instructions to Moses to give to the people to settle the matter of Aaron's priesthood.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God clearly communicates through both symbols and actions His message.  In this case, He uses the symbol of staffs or rods which in the Old Testament represented authority and power.  V5 is where the LORD shares "the staff of the man whom I choose shall sprout," and from that point forward the people will cease their grumbling against authority from Aaron.  Vv8 and 10 make it clear that because Aaron's staff sprouted, it will be preserved as a sign to end further rebellions.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Such a sign or any physical sign from God should cause one to be in reverent fear of God's power, as we should acknowledge that the entire universe is controlled by Him (Colossians 1:16-17), including all authorities.  Thus it is not surprising to see the people's reaction in vv12-13 of fear - yet it is unclear at this point that this causes repentant fear.  Repentant fear is what God seeks, and John Piper refers to this as "fear as preservative" such that we fear angering or disappointing God, so we avoid sin.   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid rebellion against God's appointed leaders, including both church leaders and civil authorities. Claim the promise that God reigns over all details including authority He places above us.  Follow the example of Christ who rendered to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's (see also Romans 13:1-7).  Submit to God's appointed leaders. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that works in all things for good - including leaders in my church and civil authorities.  Thank You for how Your design is perfect.  I am not deserving of how You work and bless me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

This is the law in cases of jealousy, when a wife, though under her husband’s authority, goes astray and defiles herself, or when the spirit of jealousy comes over a man and he is jealous of his wife. Then he shall set the woman before the LORD, and the priest shall carry out for her all this law.

Numbers 5:11-31

This is the law in cases of jealousy, when a wife, though under her husband’s authority, goes astray and defiles herself, or when the spirit of jealousy comes over a man and he is jealous of his wife. Then he shall set the woman before the LORD, and the priest shall carry out for her all this law. Numbers 5:29-30

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today, 5:11-31, the Lord spoke to Moses and gave him instructions for how adultery is to be treated.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God designed and created both man and woman and designed marriage as a lifelong commitment to both God and to each other.  Among the ten commandments, the seventh states "[y]ou shall not commit adultery."  The text here today provides instructions for how to treat a wife's adultery - Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22 describe the harsh penalty (death) that also applies to husbands.  The New Testament redefines - appropriately so - adultery to be a matter of the heart (see Matthew 5:27-28).  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Sexual sin is the broad category that includes adultery - like anything else this brief post from DesiringGod.com points out how all such sin is the result of our (believers and non-believers alike) lack of satisfaction in God, so we seek satisfaction in earthly, flesh satisfying sin. God is always the answer to how we treat sin, repent and turn to Him.
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid growing comfortable with the world and gaining too much satisfaction from it.  Claim the promise that God is all we need.  Follow the example of many who lost everything - Joseph, Paul, etc. - yet with God were content in all things. Love God above all else.   

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My Prayer: Father God, You designed marriage and I am blessed in my marriage - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my marriage nor any blessing You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

 John 21:15-19

Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” John 21:18-19

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 21:15-19, where we see Jesus restore Peter from the sin of his denial.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus asks Peter three times whether he loves Him - in contrast to Peter's denial of Jesus three times before the rooster crows (see Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, and John 18) as Peter responds yes three times - text recognized as Jesus restoring Peter. Jesus offers second (and third, etc.) chances as He forgives.  Jesus is also reinforcing His role of Good Shepherd (see John 10:1-18) and charging Peter with taking on this same role, to feed young (lamb) and old (sheep) believers. Jesus then shares - emphasizing His authority to make such statements prophecy of how Peter will die, encouraging Peter to follow Him.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?:  Jesus offers Peter a second opportunity to follow Him and most scholars recognize that Peter did indeed die on the cross - but he insisted that he hang on the cross by his feet as he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus (see this Bible dictionary post).  There is a cost to following Jesus.  He wants us to proclaim the Gospel, and Truth - to all corners of the world, and in many of these places this will be costly, even to the point of physical harm or death.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid not following Jesus in the mission He gives you.  Claim the promise that He is with is - always.  Follow Jesus (and Peter's) example to do the will of the Father.  Follow Jesus.  

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My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  I am not deserving of how You save, forgive, restore. Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of how You love me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.    

“Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.

Luke 7:1-10

“Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Luke 7:6

This morning, I take a short side trip to Luke 7:1-10, text for my Friday AM study with three other guys.  Here a centurion's servant is healed by Jesus.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: The centurion sees Jesus as someone with authority, whose words and commands have power to make things happen - in this case to heal his servant. Jesus is also seen as higher "worth" or status than the centurion.  What's amazing is that Jesus humbled himself by taking on flesh to be the incarnate Son of God and the centurion sees himself as less worthy than Jesus - in contrast to how the world saw the centurion.  Here we see two amazing portraits of humility.  Humility is one of the most important attributes we should have in our journey with Christ.  We must have humility to acknowledge our need for salvation and for Jesus, and then we must every day go to Him for our daily bread to provide all things - most importantly our spiritual needs.  Jesus marvels at the centurion.  Just as God was well please with Jesus at His baptism, we seek for God to be pleased with us.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The Jewish elders (v3) are used in this story by Jesus to bring glory to God and Jesus rightly shares in v9 that the centurion has more faith than the Jews even though the Jews should have seen Jesus as fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy as the promised Messiah.        
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid not seeing Jesus for who He is and placing ourselves or an earthly idol above or in place of Jesus.  Claim the promise that Jesus is King of Kings whose Word is God (John 1:1) and how He is in all and over all things, and that He alone saves (even though we are not worthy).  Follow the example of the centurion who saw Jesus as more worthy and that we are not worthy...but that Jesus alone is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory.  Understand and act with intent that we exist for His glory.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You alone are worthy of all praise, honor and glory.  Thank You for saving me and giving me the gift of salvation.  I am not deserving - the greatest gift of all time.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”

 John 19:17-27

Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.” John 19:19-22

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 19:17-27, where we see Jesus led out to be crucified.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus is crucified to fulfill scripture - see Isaiah 53 and here in the text today v24 refers to Psalm 22:18.  All scripture points to Jesus and Jesus fulfills all scripture. In vv26-27 Jesus says - while hanging on the cross - to his mother "behold your son" and to Peter "behold your mother."  V27 ends with Peter taking Jesus' mother into his own home and caring for her.  Now Jesus' mother is not Peter's mother by birth but Jesus wants us to care for one another.  Here, in particular, Jesus calls for Peter to care for another believer as one would care for someone in his/her own family.  See also Matthew 12:50.  Support, care, and encouragement for other believers is emphasized elsewhere - see also 1 Corinthians 12:14-26.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Pilate continues to see Jesus as King of the Jews - v21 (an incomplete understanding of Jesus) and the Jews do not see Jesus as a king of anything.  Yet believers must see Jesus for who He is - Lord of All.  Read and study scripture to know God. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid an incomplete understanding of Jesus.  Claim the promise that Jesus is Lord of All and He was sent by the Father with all authority to seek and save the lost - He willingly went to the cross so that believers in Him would have victory over sin and death. Follow the example of Jesus to follow the will of God - even at great cost.  Deny oneself and bring glory to God.  Love God and love others - in particular other believers.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God who loves and saves...thank You Jesus for giving me my salvation - the greatest gift of all time.  I am not deserving of such a gift.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

[Pilate] said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.

 John 19:12-16

[Pilate] said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. John 19:14-16

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 19:12-16, where we see Pilate's efforts to release Jesus, yet the Jews presented Pilate with a conundrum that he could not avoid, and ultimately he caved to their desire to crucify Jesus.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Nothing stops God's plan.  Pilate, the leading earthly authority in Jerusalem - could not find fault or guilt in Jesus - yet Jesus proceeded with the Father's plan to send His Son to be the final (and perfect) sacrifice and atonement for all of humanity's sin. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Pilate's heart is softened to the extent that He sees Jesus as not guilty and he wants to learn more about Jesus, but the Jews present Pilate with a conundrum.  The Jews claim that Pilate should be concerned about a threat to Caesar's rule and they make an incredible claim that they see Caesar as their king - vv12, 14-16.  Unfortunately, they did not see Jesus for who He really is - their Promised Messiah.  Pilate must have felt he had no choice to agree with the Jews and put Jesus to death because he feared an uprising or disturbance from the Jews that might have reached Caesar back in Rome.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid seeing Jesus as anything but King of Kings and as the One True God who saves.  Claim the promise that Jesus is who He says He is - sent from God to seek and save the lost and that all are lost without Jesus. Follow the example of Jesus who willingly lost His life in service to the Father and to all who follow Him.  Love and worship God above all others.   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves...You willingly laid down Your life so that I could have victory over sin and death.  Thank You Jesus for my salvation.  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses for Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”

 John 19:1-11

Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” John 19:11

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 19:1-11, where we see Pilate flogging Jesus, showing the beaten Jesus to the Jews, once again questioning Jesus, and then asking the Jews what he is to do with Jesus.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus willingly submits to His flogging, and the shame (and pain) of Pilates' soldiers striking Him and putting on Him a crown of thorns - vv1-3.  Pilate further shames Jesus by making putting Him on display (to the Jews) wearing a purple robe (typically reserved by earthly royalty) - vv4-5.  Although Jesus is not guilty in Pilates' eyes, the Jews do see Him as guilty of blasphemy - vv6-7.  Jesus at first does not answer Pilate's question  - v9 - but in vv10-11 Jesus responds to Pilate's arrogant claim of authority by sharing that authority is given from the Father, and that He sees the Jews as guilty of a greater sin for delivering Him over to Pilate.       
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The Jews should have known better by seeing Jesus as the Promised Messiah but their arrogance, pride, etc. blinded them to the gospel message and they would not repent so they stand guilty and condemned.  Pilate is guilty of a lesser sin and perhaps on par with Peter who out of fear did not question the crowd that arrested Jesus.  Yet Peter of course has repented of His sin (including His denial of Jesus) and Jesus restores Him (see John 21:15-19). 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid twisting scripture as the Jewish elders did to focus on your own view of God's Word.  Claim the promise that Jesus is King of Kings and has authority and providence over all.  Follow the example of Jesus who willingly submitted to a brutal, shameful, beating and ultimate crucifixion - so that others would have life to the full now and for eternity.  Pick up your cross, deny oneself and follow Jesus.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that willingly submitted to a gruesome and painful torture and death - so that I could have freedom from sin and death.  Thank You Jesus - the greatest gift of all time!  I am not deserving of such a gift.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

 Mark 9:14-29

 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24

This morning I am taking a short side trip from my study of John to look at Mark 9:14-29 in support of my Friday morning men's Bible study group. Here the text looks at Jesus' healing of a boy with an unclean spirit (whom the disciples could not heal). Here are my observations of the text using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus is once again sought by crowds as He has been teaching and performing miracles - including healing a deaf man, a blind man (chapter 7,8) and feeding the four thousand (chapter 8).  Here, Jesus is among a crowd after the Transfiguration (vv2-13) and a father seeks to heal his son whom the disciples were not able to heal (despite how Jesus sent them out in Mark 6:7-12 and gave them authority over the unclean spirits) - see vv17-18. Jesus rebuked the crowd generally (including the disciples and the father) for their lack of faith - v19.  Jesus then specifically rebukes the boy's father who was not fully convinced Jesus could heal his son - vv22-23.  Then, Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit and the boy is healed.  In response to the disciples who questioned Jesus why they could not heal the boy,  Jesus shares that "[t]his kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer" (v29).  It seems that Jesus wants His disciples to be clear that it is not their power that is doing these miracles but the Triune God who works through them.  Yes, Jesus did give the disciples authority over unclean spirits, but that does not make them God, and they remain 100% dependent on God - we are reminded of this and in why we need to pray.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: This is humbling and v29 reminds us to pray and always act in utter dependence on Him.  Contrast the father of the boy with the disciples as the father "cries out "I believe, help my unbelief."  This is the kind of posture and prayer Jesus seeks from us - He gives us the power of the Holy Spirit but at the same time we must "pray ceaselessly" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that heals and saves!  Thank You Jesus!  Yet I am undeserving - there are many times where my faith is weak - please help me with my unbelief.  And my sin is great...daily.  Please forgive me for my sin and help me turn from and repent of my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

 

I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

 John 17:1-5

I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. John 17:4-5

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 17:1-5, where Jesus pauses speaking to the disciples to pray what is referred to as the High Priestly Prayer.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus sticks to His mission and plan given to Him by the Father - to seek and save the lost through His ministry on earth then to die on the cross and to rise again claiming victory over sin and death as the perfect sacrifice for all sin throughout redemptive history.  Jesus shares how the "hour has come" given He has completed what He was sent to do on earth (vv1, 4) and He is now ready for His arrest and crucifixion which we see comes next in John 18-19.  Jesus prays that He and the Father are glorified - v1.  In v2, He supports His prayer in v1 by sharing that He is worthy of glory Himself and worthy of bringing glory to the Father because the Father has given Him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom the Father has given Him (adopted into His family). V3 is not a prayer per se but a definition and set of conditions of eternal life for those that will receive it - you must know God the Father and Jesus (and of course that they are One - both persons of the Triune God).  In v5, Jesus repeats His prayer that He be glorified - in the Father's presence (similar to Jesus' baptism) - with the glory Jesus shared with the Father since the beginning.  The Triune God has existed since the beginning and will exist through the end - Alpha and Omega.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: People exist for the glory of God just as Jesus existed for the glory of God the Father.      
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Claim the promise that Jesus is the Alpha and Omega and that for those that believe He gives them eternal life.  Follow the example of Jesus to know the will of God and to follow it - accomplish the work given to you.  Bring glory to God in all that you do.  We exist to   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Thank You for Your obedience to the Father and for accomplishing the work the Father gave You.  I am not deserving of how You save and bless.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to accept You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

 John 16:16-24

Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 16:16-24, where Jesus continues to help the disciples prepare themselves for both the crucifixion (sorrow) and Pentecost.   Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus continues to reveal Himself as one person of the Triune God that are all equal.  In the text today, the focus is how the Son (in a little while) will no longer be with the disciples and Jesus shares how this will be sorrowful for the disciples, and how (a little while later) the Holy Spirit will be with the disciples, and this will be joyful.  Jesus knows that the disciples do not understand what He is saying, so He is patient with them, using the analogy of a mother giving birth (labor), which when the baby arrives is a joyful moment. In v22, Jesus promises that the joy given in that moment (Pentecost) will not be taken from us, and "in that day you will ask nothing of me" (v23). Also in v23, we see an apparent contradiction in the same verse where at first Jesus says on Pentecost the disciples will ask nothing of Him, then (emphasizing the authority of His statement), Jesus shares that "whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you."  The apparent contradictory statements can be reconciled by seeing how the first statement emphasizes the disciple asking, while the second statement emphasizes the disciple asking in Jesus' name - two entirely different asks.  The latter statement is an ask with an intention to bring glory to God (vs ourself) and to align our prayers with His will.  V24 is an encouragement from Jesus to ask for things in His name, with a promise that our joy will be full in doing so....this seems to align with John Piper's Christian Hedonism.     
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Once again, we see how the disciples do not understand, even as Jesus is patient and He continues to reveal Himself in ways to help the disciples understand.  We may not understand everything that Jesus says, yet we can always rest in what we DO know about Jesus and ask Him to reveal Himself to us so that we can more fully understand Him, His will, etc.  This is the essence of Romans 12:2 where Paul encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind so that we can understand and follow His will...so that He is glorified.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid seeking our own will vs that of God.  Claim the promise that asking for things in Jesus' name and His will will give us joy as we seek to please and glorify Him. This joy cannot be taken from us - what a great promise.  Follow the example of Jesus as seeks the will of the Father.  Be transformed by the renewing of the mind to align desires, thoughts, etc. with that of Jesus. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You provide the Holy Spirit that will guide us into all the truth.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save, and guide me into all the truth.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Now no one at the table knew why [Jesus] said this to [Judas].

 John 13:21-30

Now no one at the table knew why [Jesus] said this to [Judas]. John 13:28

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 13:21-30, where Jesus shares how Judas will betray Him.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus loves all of His creation and it troubles Him when someone does not believe, follow Him, and surrender his life to Him be saved. V21 shares (emphasizing His authority via the words "[t]ruly, truly" at the same time) how Jesus was troubled as He prophecies that one of the disciples will betray Him.  When asked by one of the disciples who will betray Him, Jesus does not specifically name Judas as His betrayer, but in vv26-27, He gives them an obvious clue tipping off the disciples that His betrayer will be Judas.  Then, in v27, the text shares that "Satan entered into [Judas]", and Jesus tells Judas "[w]hat you are going to do, do quickly."  Jesus does not stop Judas from what He was going to do and He allows or orchestrates Satan influence and actions.      
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The disciples at first do not know who will betray Jesus, but even though Jesus helps them understand that it will be Judas, their understanding of how this betrayal should work is incomplete - see vv28-29.  Believers should know that God is in everything, including allowing sin and brokenness' existence.  Judas was part of God's plan - but not in a positive way.  This is the mystery of God - why some are saved and why some are not - all in control by God (Ephesians 2:8).  What is not a mystery is that (1) God uses sinful and broken people as part of His plan, (2) every single one of us, believer or not, are sinful and broken, and (3) God knows all and we can trust that what He says will come to pass - He is faithful and He is Truth.  We don't know how God works (Isaiah 55:8) but we do know He is control of all details and nothing can stop His promises or plan.
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid sinful influences (and Satan entering you) in your life by understanding sin (read scripture).  Claim the promise that God is in everything, His Word is Truth, He is faithful, and what He says will come to pass.  Follow the example of Jesus to save as many as possible (all the disciples except Judas) and use a troubled spirit to urge you into action (Jude 22-23). Know and follow the voice of the Good Shepherd (vs Satan who is real). 

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My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Thank You for saving me - I know this is not of my own doing.  Thank You for also protecting me from sinful influences.  I am not deserving of how You save and provide refuge.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

 John 13:12-20

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. John 13:14-16

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 13:12-20, where Jesus has just washed the disciples' feet and He then shares why He did.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?:  Jesus understood that the disciples did not know why He washed their feet (see v7), so being a patient and caring God, He teaches and guides them - telling Him why he performed this act of service.  He first identifies Himself as Lord (first) and Teacher (second) - v13.  In vv14-15, Jesus then shares how He gave the disciples an example to follow - believers should serve as He served.  This ties back to the two greatest commandments from Matthew 22:34-40 - to first love God, then to love others.  We don't exist to glorify ourselves but instead to glorify God.  This requires us to surrender to Him and allow others to see God in us as we bear and demonstrate fruit - the love of God manifesting itself in the love of (and service to) others.  V16 emphasizes a truth (spoken by Jesus with emphasis in His authority) that we are to serve Him as He is our Master and sent by God the Father.  V17 shares a promise that we will be blessed if we love, serve and glorify Jesus.  In v18, Jesus refers to whom He has chosen to love, serve and glorify Him - leaving out Judas as Jesus refers to Psalm 41:9 in His description of Judas as He shares the betrayal will fulfill prophecy.  In vv19-20 Jesus shares that He tells the disciples these things so that when they do occur, they will have a more complete understanding of who Jesus is and how came to fulfill prophecy and all of His Words are Truth - we can have faith and believe in Him.       
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The twelve are described by Jesus - both in the present and in the future - as serving Him - with exception to Judas who loves Himself more than God and betrays Jesus. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We should avoid sin as all sin is a betrayal of God.  Claim the promise that we will be blessed if love, serve, and glorify God.  Follow the example - and commandment - of Jesus to love and serve others (see also Mark 10:45).  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God who loves and saves - You laid down Your life in the ultimate act of serve - so that I could have forgiveness of sin and eternal life.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”

 John 12:44-50

For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.” John 12:49-50

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 12:44-50, where Jesus cries out (apparently from hiding - see v36 - as the text does not share how circumstances have changed), that people should believe because He has authority, a message, and a mission given to Him from the Father.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus was sent by God the Father and He reflects the Father - vv44-45.  Earlier text in John shares how Jesus and the Father are One - see John 10:30.  Jesus is the Light of the World, giving Light to those who live in sin/darkness - v46 (see also John 9:5).  Jesus once again shares how His mission is not to judge but to save (v47) - see also John 3:17.  While Jesus' mission as the Incarnate Son of God is to save, He does share that on the last day, when Jesus returns after ascending to Heaven to sit at the right hand of God, that His Words will judge (and by implication eternally condemn) those who do not receive His Words and believe in Him. Jesus ends the text for today in vv49-50 by sharing that God the Father has given Him authority and a commandment - "what to say and what to speak." The commandment given to Jesus is eternal life - see also Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33, and John 1:1-2 where the text shares that Jesus' words will not pass away (eternal), how Jesus and the Word existed in the beginning with the Father, and how the Word was Jesus and the Father. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid rejecting Jesus' words.  Claim the promise that if you believe Jesus' words and believe in Him, you will be saved and have victory over sin and death as it is already won.  Love God as the most important commandment.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who saves!  I am not deserving of how You save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.”

 John 11:38-44

And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” John 11:41-43

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 11:38-44, where we reach the climax of the story of Lazarus, whom Jesus raises from the dead.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Just as I posted yesterday, as He came to Lazarus' tomb, Jesus was "deeply moved again," as He loved Lazarus and Martha and Mary - mourning with them and sympathizing with their grief.  Jesus challenges us in our unbelief - see vv39 when He tells the people with them to take away the stone [door] entrance to the tomb.  Martha responds with a concern about odor from the tomb. In v40, Jesus lays down the challenge as Martha experiences a momentary period of unbelief.  When the stone is removed, Jesus prays to God (vv41-42), specifically praising the Father for "always hear[ing him]," while acknowledging that the only reason He specifically offers this praise so that those present "may believe that [the Father] sent Him."  Jesus continues to seek and save the lost and His plan is designed for teachable moments where His glory is revealed so that people would be drawn to Him.  After He prays to the Father, He commands Lazarus to come out of the tomb (v43).  For non-believers this is seen as a crazy request yet for believers we must remember that Jesus has been granted all authority by God is He is able to do anything - nothing is impossible for Him.  See also Matthew 8:23–27, Mark 4:35–41, and Luke 8:22–25 where Jesus rebukes the wind and the waves and we see Jesus' providence over not just life and death but over creation. Upon Lazarus coming out of the tomb in v44, Jesus then commands those present to unbind Lazarus as his hands and feet were bound with linen strips (burial clothes).   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: In v39, Martha experiences a momentary period of unbelief as she initially resists God's command to remove the stone entrance to the tomb.  Believers often are either led by God or read explicit text where He tells us to do something but we resist.  We find ways to rationalize our disobedience but we must clearly see our disobedience to God's commands and calls for our life.  Remember the story of Jonah where he resisted going to Nineveh?
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We must avoid resisting God's commands - this is disobedience.  We should claim the promise that nothing will be impossible with God (Luke 1:37).  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves, and nothing will be impossible with You.  I am not deserving of how You save and how You provide the Holy Spirit to give us power.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind, and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer, and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled....Jesus wept.

John 11:28-37

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled....Jesus wept. John 11:33,35

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 11:28-37, where we continue the story of Lazarus, whom we know from the larger story arc is ill and dies, and that Jesus raises him from the dead.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: After learning of Lazarus' illness earlier in chapter 11, and then staying where He was for two more days, Jesus is now seen approaching the village where Martha, Mary, and Lazarus lived.  In response to Mary falling to Jesus' feet in grief over her brother's death (vv32), Jesus "was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled...[and He also] wept" (vv33,35).  Jesus sympathizes with us and our cares, concerns and worries.  Believers should understand that because Jesus took on flesh as the Incarnate Son of God, "we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15-16).     
• What do we learn from the text about people?: In v32, Mary reacts first in worship towards Jesus, as she falls to Jesus' feet.  Similar to her sister Martha (v21), Mary then expresses frustration towards Jesus as she believes that if Jesus had come earlier He would have healed Lazarus (v32) - this is frustration yes but also faith because Mary was definitive that "if you had been here, my brother would not have died."  The Jews in the village and with Mary and Martha consoled and loved them, and wept with them (vv31, 33) - this is a great example of how we are to love others (second greatest commandment).  Some of the Jews marveled at Jesus' love for Lazarus, while others questioned the extent of Jesus' authority and power as He recently healed the blind man (chapter 9), but He was not to keep Lazarus from dying (vv36-37).  There will always be people who doubt who Jesus is - but believers should never doubt that Jesus is God, and Lord and Savior - Creator and King of Kings - able to do anything (Colossians 1:15-17).    
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Do not doubt Jesus and who He is.  Claim the promise that He saves, is able to do anything, loves us and sympathizes with us.  Follow the example of Mary who worshiped Jesus and saw Him as able to heal her brother.  Love others as the Jews consoled and wept with Mary and Martha.  Believe and have faith.        

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God who loves, saves, and sympathizes with us.  Thank You Jesus for all that You do.  I am not deserving of how You bless and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

John 10:22-42

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 10:22:42, where we see the Jewish leadership confront Jesus as He was in the temple in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah).  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: In His defense, Jesus share that (1) His works (miracles such as healing of the blind man), are done on behalf of the Father who sent Him, and these works bear witness about who Jesus is, (2) the Jewish leadership, despite their supposed knowledge of the law do not see Jesus is fulfilling all prophecy that pointed to Him - they are not among Jesus' sheep (He is the Good Shepherd - see vv1-19) because they don't know His voice otherwise they would recognize Jesus as the Good Shepherd/Christ and follow Him (vv26-27).  Jesus gives His followers eternal life and this blessing cannot be taken from them (v28).  The Father gave Jesus His sheep and The Father is greater than all (all creation, all heavenly bodies, etc.), so none of Jesus' sheep can be taken out of the Father's hand (v29).  Because all authority has been given from the Father to Jesus, Jesus should be seen as one with the Father (v30).  In v31, as the Jewish leadership prepared to stone Jesus, Jesus shares that He is innocent based on how He is performing good works from the Father.  Jesus also shares that He is doing only what the Old Testament shared (see Psalm 82:6 as referenced in v34) and playing the same role as those who taught the Word of God in OT law.  In His closing argument with this confrontation, Jesus challenges the Jewish leadership to at least believe that His works are real and that the Father is in Jesus and He is in the Father (another way of saying that Father and Son are united). Because it was not the appointed time, Jesus escapes arrest and goes to where John the Baptist had first been baptizing and many came to Him and believed because they now see that John the Baptist's prophecy about Jesus was true - vv39-42). 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Just as the Jewish leadership gathered around Jesus to confront Him - seeking to arrest and kill Him - believers can expect to be persecuted (ranging from rejection/scorn to physical imprisonment-death) in some form (vv22-24).  The Jewish leadership (with some exceptions - see vv19-21) does not believe Jesus is the Christ (Promised Messiah).  There will always be many who reject Jesus as Lord and Savior - that there is a God and Jesus is God. The Jewish leadership reject Jesus as God outright (v33) based on Jesus' statement in v30 that He and the Father are one.       
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid rejecting Jesus because You don't know Jesus.  Claim the promise that Jesus is who He says is - Lord and Savior.  Follow the example of those who are drawn to Jesus and believe - who know His voice and see Jesus as the Good Shepherd.  Do what the Good Shepherd commands because He loves and cares for us and leads us to provision and eternal rest.     

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, cares and saves those who follow You - You are the Good Shepherd.  I am not deserving of how You love, care, and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.